Seanad banter on by-elections
A brief back-and-forth followed about Seanad by-elections and political labels, with interjections from Marshall, Buttimer, McDowell and the Chair. Warfield closed by restating his support for an adjournment of the Adoption Bill debate and wider consultation with adoptee campaigners.
He is not with us every time, although there is great love between Senator Marshall and me.
Comment on this
Senator Marshall's reputation is being questioned.
Comment on this
I used to be progressive once.
Comment on this
Every Seanad by-election should not result in a win for the Government. We should have lists, like they have in-----
Comment on this
Democracy is okay when it is on their terms.
Comment on this
I also support the amendment proposed to the Order of Business which has been seconded that the debate on the the Adoption (Information and Tracing) Bill be adjourned at 6 p.m. in order to give groups a chance to engage further on it. I come from the position "Nothing about us without us". On this occasion, the campaign and advocacy groups for adoptees have not been heard by the Department. While we will represent their concerns today, they should have an opportunity to meet it. We, therefore, ask Members to support the amendment proposed to the Order of Business.
On the issue raised by Senator McDowell, changes to the media landscape have obviously had a drastic impact on RTÉ and TG4. We need to address the issue of collection. While the local property tax may help in that regard, it will not address the issue of funding for public services. If the property tax is €80 and the licence fee is €160, merging them will only result in a reduction in funding for public services. There is a non-payment rate of 18%, whereas the non-payment rate in Britain is around 5%. Therefore, addressing the non-payment rate first would be best.